🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”